Leadership and Me: What My Name Taught Me About Leadership

With an "h," please!

As a student striving to find my place in the hospitality and tourism industry, I’ve realized that the journey toward leadership isn’t just about acquiring certain skills and having specific qualifications. It’s also about developing a deep understanding of who I am and who I aspire to be.

This path to leadership starts with self-awareness and reflection, a process that has shaped both my personal and professional growth. Through my academic and work experiences so far, I’ve gained valuable insights into my personal character and potential leadership qualities, both inside and outside the workplace.

So, who am I? Well, my name is Jasminh.

It’s not Jasmine, Jazmin, Jazmine, or Jasmyn—it’s Jasminh, with an “h” at the end.

Even though all these variations are spelled differently and may sound the same, that small letter makes a big difference. My name is a small but powerful part of my identity, representing the first of many ways in which I embrace my uniqueness. In a world where we are often pressured to conform to societal standards, even the way my name is spelled reminds me of the importance of standing out and staying true to who I am.

Leadership, to me, is about doing just that. Leadership is about embracing your individuality and owning what sets you apart. And just as my name stands out, I strive to lead authentically, using my unique qualities and experiences to make a positive impact on others.

In the hospitality industry, where relationships and experiences are integral, authenticity plays a crucial role in leadership. Whether I’m leading a team, interacting with guests, or solving problems in the moment, staying true to myself and my values helps build trust and create a safe and consistent environment.

In addition to authenticity, another one of my unique qualities that sets me apart is my commitment to mastering my work. I don’t just view tasks as items to check off a list, I view them as a craft that provides opportunities to push myself toward excellence.

My strong moral values also ensure that I always live life with integrity, and my adaptability allows me to excel once I’ve settled into a routine.

I’m very self-aware that I sometimes rely too heavily on structure. However, as I grow, I am continuously working on embracing change.

Reflecting deeper and considering myself as a person who has worked under leaders, here are a few of my priorities as I aspire to become someone who will lead others eventually:

1. My approach will involve not only striving towards objectives, but also ensuring that my team members feel valued and supported along the way.

2. I will aim to address practical challenges effectively without creating too stressful of an environment for those around me.

3. My leadership style will blend productivity with support. I recognize that a motivated and well-supported team is more likely to achieve outstanding results.

To put it simply, my leadership approach integrates a results-oriented mindset with strong interpersonal skills. This combination will allow me to see performance while also creating a nurturing and collaborative work environment. And while I naturally shy away from conflict and occasionally struggle with assertiveness, I’m learning to balance my compassion with the ability to make firm, well-reasoned decisions.

With everything in consideration, what truly makes me stand out is how I balance between my dependability, commitment to ethical standards, and desire for growth. I recognize that personal development is key to becoming the well-rounded leader I aspire to be in the hospitality industry. With ongoing effort and reflection, I know I can strengthen my leadership skills and evolve into a confident, assertive leader—one who remains true to myself, has the integrity, and the courage to stand out, just like the “h” in my name.